The addition of a full degree in ASL will give many members of the community more opportunities," said Tom Lewis, a political science major taking ASL classes.

"If Wright State does a good job letting the community know about the degree, there will be a large number of people signing up," said Lewis. There is a high population of deaf people in Ohio, especially the southwest area of the state. According to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, it is estimated that over 480,000 Ohioans have difficulty hearing a normal conversation. In addition, over 40,500 Ohioans over the age of 16 are unable to hear at all.

With the education of deaf people going up, there is a greater need for more advanced interpreters. There are no other four year sign language interpreting degree programs offered in Ohio. There are about 30 such four-year programs offered nationwide.

According to Rayann Brown, an employee at the office of Disability Services, Wright State students are currently able to take six sign language classes to fulfill their foreign language requirements. However, if they wish to become certified, they must attend another institution for further classes, most often Sinclair.

The national organization that certifies sign language interpreters has approved new certification guidelines that by 2008 will require an interpreter to have an associate's degree and by 2012 will require a bachelor's degree for interpreter certification.

Stephen Fortson, chairman of the Department of Human Services, helped develop the program in conjunction with community college officials and members of the deaf community.

The four year program could begin as soon as fall quarter of next year. All that is needed is the Ohio Board of Regent's approval sometime this month.

By Nicole Devendra
http://www.theguardianonline.com/media/paper373/news/2005/11/09/News/Wsu-To.Offer.Sign.Language.Degree-1050188.shtml